Even when he uses live actors, Tim Burton’s movies always seem to have an animated quality about them. His first major venture into animation was a film short called Vincent (1982) which he did for Buena Vista Films. He returned to the medium with The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) which has since received a cult status, though at the time was largely panned by the critics. This month, however, he returns to it in a big way with an all star cast and a movie that has critics singing his praise once again. Burton had lost some favor when his version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) failed to impress most movie journalists. With The Corpse Bride (2005), he has seemingly redeemed himself.

Johnny Depp is the voice of Victor Van Dort, a skinny young man forced into an arranged marriage by his Nouveau riche parents to a girl he never met of a higher social pedigree. Victoria Everglot (voiced by Emily Watson) comes from a lineage that all though of the bluest of blood, finds themselves on financially hard times and so the family alliance is conceived by her parents to regain fortune. Both Victor’s and Victoria’s parents are equally repulsive, which only makes our hero and heroin even more sympathetic. When the two finally meet they discover they are matched perfectly and can’t wait for the happy day.

While walking through the woods to practice his wedding vows, Victor accidentally finds himself married to a corpse. Well, I don’t want to spoil the details of how that works into the plot, but it does brilliantly and The Corpse Bride (2005) turns into a beautifully animated and thoroughly enjoyable movie. Of course there is a happy end and naturally Burton delivers with his usual celebration of the macabre. Some images might be a little disturbing to the very youngest of children, but Burton wasn’t really making this for kids anyway.

The Corpse Bride (2005) is largely made for that retro fascinated generation of 30 somethings who can remember the good old days of Rankin and Bass Studios animated holiday features. Santa Claus is coming to Town (1970) in particular appears the main influence on The Corpse Bride (2005). Christopher Lee’s character of Pastor Galswells, revives memories of the winter warlock brought to life by Keenan Wynn. Victoria’s father ( Finnis Everglot voiced by Albert Finny ) bares a strong resemblance to the Burgermeister Meisterburger (originated by Paul Frees ). Even the town setting of The Corpse Bride (2005) bares a striking resemblance to the town in the Rankin and Bass classic.

Burton’s animation and cinematography has also been largely influenced by eastern European cinema and Czech animation of the 60′s and 70′s in particular. His happy fascination with the macabre is a thing of strange beauty as despite her decomposed state, Victor can see the beauty of his corpse bride (Helene Bonham Carter). Other big stars lending their talents to this production include, Tracey Ullman as Nell Van Dortand the maid, Hildegarde; Paul Whitehouse as William Van Dort, Mayhew and Paul The Head Waiter; Joanna Lumley as Maudeline Everglot, Richard E. Grant as Barkis Bittern and Jane Horrocks as the Black Widow Spider. All are well cast as The Corpse Bride is brought to life.

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